12v linear actuator on a 5v microcontroller output

Hello circuitsonline,

i have a problem with controlling my 12v 15A linear actuator with my 5v +-200ma microcontroller.
i have tried to use a transistor to higher my microcontroller output but that did not work.

i hope you can help me

Maybe you can post some more information; like a schematic on how everything is connected, brand & type of microcontroller and actuator...

Op 2 augustus 2017 15:04:20 schreef shyguy:
i have tried to use a transistor to higher my microcontroller output but that did not work.

You can certainly control a 15A actuator with a microcontroller. Usually you'd use a transistor.

So the answer is not: "no you cannot use a transistor for that", or "that is completely impossible", but "you must have done something wrong".

The 200mA you quoted as a spec for your microcontroller is odd. Most microprocessors specify "max 20mA" as the output current for a pin.